Post by taylorm07 on May 19, 2008 0:25:14 GMT -5
The Transcendentalist ideal, or the formation of an “original relationship” with the universe, is attainable, according to Emerson and Thoreau, through the transcendence of physical and ideological suppression with the guidance of one’s instinct, or intuition. Transcendentalism was the romantic reaction to democracy, or the rule of majority. Emerson and Thoreau felt that the individual had the ability to govern themselves; that “we should be men first, and subjects afterward” (Thoreau 86). Man has a need to break from society and escape the “shams and delusions” that are ever present (176). These lies easily corrupt the individual mind and these believable tales “are esteemed for the soundest truths, while reality is fabulous” (176). The purity of the mind and the ability to assess and analyze independently are greatly valued, as “nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind” (Emerson 21). Thus, to prevent marring the blank canvas that is the mind, a return to nature, the origin of everything, is deemed necessary. We are commanded by Emerson to “study nature”, while Thoreau chose a life of solitude in the woods “to front only the essential facts of life” (172). Only after reconnecting with nature can we truly see or be awake. The “simplicity” of nature draws out the essence and teaches one to abide by one’s innate schedule, not what society dictates (173). Transcendentalism represents a pull away from traditional rule towards a form of autonomous modernism. One is encouraged to question, rather than accept; be the Man Thinking as opposed to the thinking man.
Thomas Cole’s painting Gelyna represents the transcendentalist ideal because of the relaxed mood of the painting. The men in the red coats have journeyed out into the wilderness by themselves and appear to have formed an intimate connection with nature. Their relaxation and enjoyment of the beauty of their surroundings would be considered “sheer idleness to [the] townsfolk” but wholly acceptable in the eyes of the transcendentalists and nature. The scope of the painting also speaks to transcendentalism. The men look insignificant in comparison to the large mountains and trees in the background. The dominating objects, however, can inspire original thoughts and help to further develop the oversouls of the two companions. The light has shifted to encompass the two men, seemingly enlightening them and granting them harmony with nature
web.sbu.edu/theology/bychkov/cole_gelyna18269.jpg
Thomas Cole’s painting Gelyna represents the transcendentalist ideal because of the relaxed mood of the painting. The men in the red coats have journeyed out into the wilderness by themselves and appear to have formed an intimate connection with nature. Their relaxation and enjoyment of the beauty of their surroundings would be considered “sheer idleness to [the] townsfolk” but wholly acceptable in the eyes of the transcendentalists and nature. The scope of the painting also speaks to transcendentalism. The men look insignificant in comparison to the large mountains and trees in the background. The dominating objects, however, can inspire original thoughts and help to further develop the oversouls of the two companions. The light has shifted to encompass the two men, seemingly enlightening them and granting them harmony with nature
web.sbu.edu/theology/bychkov/cole_gelyna18269.jpg